Browse · harp
Printimc
algebra intermediate
Problem
A four-term sequence is formed by adding each term of a four-term arithmetic sequence of positive integers to the corresponding term of a four-term geometric sequence of positive integers. The first three terms of the resulting four-term sequence are , , and . What is the fourth term of this sequence?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Solution
Let the arithmetic sequence be and the geometric sequence be We are given that and we wish to find Subtracting the first equation from the second and the second equation from the third, we get Subtract these results, we get Note that either or We proceed with casework: If then and The arithmetic sequence is arriving at a contradiction. If then and The arithmetic sequence is and the geometric sequence is This case is valid. Therefore, The answer is
Final answer
E